Scratchy Throat and Cough

Scratchy throat is an extremely commonplace disease, but it can be annoying as it results in difficulty in swallowing, and fever in many cases. Sometimes one can experience scratchy throat due to cough. One also suffers from scratchy throat due to allergies. In most cases, scratchy throat with cough can be treated easily with remedies at home. Let us look at the remedies for this condition.

Remedies for Scratchy Throat & Cough

Listed below are some natural, allopathic and homeopathic remedies, that you can try at home to get relief from cough and scratchy throat. Two of my favorite scratchy throat remedies are the salt water gargle and lemon tea remedy.

Salt and Warm Water Gargling: This remedy is very effective and is often suggested by doctors, in case of sore throat and dry cough. This remedy is suitable for adults and children. Boil two glasses of water in which 4 tablespoons of salt has been added. Wait till the solution is lukewarm, and then gargle with it. Repeat this remedy twice a day, at morning and evening. This remedy has no side effects, so you can gargle whenever you are troubled by cough and scratchy throat. This remedy works great for swollen tonsils too.

Lemon Tea Remedy: This is a very tasty and natural remedy for dry cough. Boil 3/4 cup of water for two minutes. Add green tea and boil for 2 more minutes. Strain it into a cup and add the juice of one lemon to it. You can add honey or sugar for taste. Drink this preparation, 3 - 4 times in a day. Lemon is a good source of vitamin C, and combined with warm tea, your throat will heal faster. For children suffering from dry scratchy throat, give only half cup of lemon tea, twice in a day.

Garlic: Garlic contains antibiotic and antifungal properties and is one of the best sore throat home remedies. Chew on 2 cloves of garlic in the morning and evening. However, the taste of garlic is extremely strong, which makes it difficult to chew. So, when you chew garlic, take 1 spoon of honey along with it. But be warned about the fact that eating garlic can make your breath smell.

Chamomile: Make some herbal tea using chamomile. You can get buy chamomile tea bags at any supermarket. So, boil water for a minute and then turn off the stove. Infuse a tea bag of chamomile for a minute. Pour the tea in a cup and keep sipping it slowly. Chamomile tea helps to soothe the irritated throat and ease the pain. This tea is relaxing and you can have it before going to bed.

Marshmallow Leaf: This also makes an excellent throat infection remedy. You can find this leaf extract at most health stores. Marshmallow leaf can be taken in many forms to cure throat infections. You can take in tincture, infusion or capsule form.

Given, above were some of the natural and home remedies for scratchy throat and cough. Now, let us look at some effective allopathic remedies.

Cough Syrups: There are many cough syrups available over-the-counter. However, take care when buying a cough syrup, as some cough syrups make you drowsy. If you want you could opt for non-drowsy cough syrups too. If you are buying a cough syrup to treat dry cough in children, make sure that the label on the bottle says it is suitable for children. Use the cough syrup according to the instructions mentioned on the label. The normal dose of cough syrup is 2 spoons, twice a day.

Painkillers: If you are suffering from pain during scratchy throat and dry cough, take a painkiller like aspirin or ibuprofen. If you are suffering from coughing and scratchy throat problems during night, then the painkiller will also aid in sleeping better.

These, were some allopathic remedies. Cough syrups are good for long time relief. Painkillers should be taken only by adults. Homeopathy has several remedies that are effective medicines for cough and scratchy throat. Here are a few of them.

Coltsfoot for Scratchy Throat and Dry Cough: Coltsfoot reduces the urge to cough. Make a tea with 2 teaspoons of coltsfoot and 1 cup of water, and drink it 3 times a day, for two consecutive days. Coltsfoot works as an expectorant, that is, it helps to spit out the cough. Avoid this remedy, if you are on low blood pressure medication or allergic to plants like chamomile.

Myrrh Gargle Remedy: Myrrh is antimicrobial and helps to soothe the mucous membranes. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Add half a teaspoon of Myrrh to 2 cups of water and gargle with this solution. After gargling, swallow it. You can repeat this 3 - 4 times a day, till you feel better. Myrrh gargle has a cleansing effect and helps in coughing up phlegm.

Important Tips

Here are some important tips you should follow with the above remedies. These tips will help you heal faster when suffering from dry cough.

• Whenever suffering from scratchy throat, make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Drink pineapple fruit juice blended with a piece of ginger root and drink 2 - 3 liters of plain water daily.
• Also try to increase your intake of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps in healing cough faster. You can either eat vitamin C supplements or eat vitamin C rich food.
• Avoid eating any spicy, cold or oily food. These foods will further aggravate the condition.
• Along with the above remedies, inhaling steam will also provide you with instant relief from scratchy throat.
• Carry some throat lozenges, in your bag or purse when suffering from cough. They give quick but temporary relief. Lozenges are safe for children to use.
• If you are showing extremely severe symptoms when suffering from scratchy throat and cough like, high fever, difficulty in swallowing, blood in saliva, headache, etc. immediately seek medical care.

One can easily get relief with the use of any of the above remedies. However, if you don't find relief with the above remedies within 2 weeks, consult a doctor.